Molly Rathbun

BMMB Graduate Student

Originally from Mystic, Connecticut, I received my undergraduate degrees in Biological Sciences (B.S.) and Anthropology (B.A.) from UConn in 2014. I have always been interested in studying evolution while also finding ways to use my scientific interests to help others. Thus, I spent a summer working in forensic archaeology and unidentified/missing persons data-banking at the Rhode Island Office of the Medical Examiner before moving to Penn State to continue my education with a master’s in forensic science. During that time, I enjoyed developing my skills as a criminalist and focusing my research on human identification, specifically on evaluating the impact of damaged DNA on next generation sequencing technologies. I was fortunate to travel both nationally and internationally to present my work, and as I became further exposed to the exciting world of research I came to realize that I wanted to continue my graduate education. I completed my M.P.S. degree in 2016 and began my PhD studies in Penn State’s Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology Department the following Fall. During this time, I plan to focus on comparative genomics and computational methods for understanding the evolutionary history of viruses and their hosts. I also hope to continue my research in forensic genomics as it relates to challenged field samples and microbial forensics. Outside of the lab I enjoy teaching, science outreach, New England sports (Go Pats!), running, reading, coffee, and traveling. You can find me in Millennium Science Complex W-242, come by and say hello!